ord and master--I would call upon myself the
curses of Allah."

Marishka pondered for a moment. "The Effendi desires that I remain
here?" she asked.

"That is his command, Fraeulein."

"I see."

If Marishka had had any doubts as to the intentions of Captain Goritz,
the Beg of Rataj had now removed them. How much or how little of what
the girl revealed had been born of innocence or how much of design,
Marishka could not know, but it hardly seemed possible that the child
could be meshed so deeply in this intrigue. Marishka felt sure that Yeva
had promised to deliver her note, because the situation amused and
interested her, as did her visitor, and because of the pink garment Yeva
was now so reluctantly laying aside.

Marishka took another garment from the valise, a dainty drapery of silk
edged with fine lace, and held it up temptingly.

"Yeva," she said.

"Yes, Fraeulein."

"This, too, is very beautiful, do you not think so?"

Yeva sighed wistfully.

"Yes. It is very beautiful."

"And would you care to have this too?"

"Would I----? Oh, Fraeulein! I cannot believe----"

Yeva came forward with arms outstretched, brown fingers curling, but as
she was about to touch the garment Marishka swept it away and put it
behind her back.

"I will give it to you----"

"Yes----"

"If you will take me out with you by the secret door to the Europa
Hotel."

"Fraeulein!" The girl stopped aghast and then slowly turned away.

"You would have me disobey the commands of my lord and master?" she said
in an awed whisper.

"I am asking only my rights," urged Marishka desperately. "I am an
Austrian with many friends. I have believed that I was a guest in this
house, welcome to come and to go as I choose. If the Effendi desires to
keep me against my will he runs a great risk of offending the government
of Austria and my friends."

"As to that I do not know----" said Yeva plaintively.

"It will do you no harm to be my friend."

"I am your friend. But to disobey the command of one's lord and
master----"

"It is worse to disobey the laws of Bosnia."

"But what can I do?" asked the girl, helplessly weaving her fingers to
and fro.

"You need do nothing but go out to deliver my message. Then you shall
appear to lock the door below, but the bolt shall not catch. That is
all. When you are gone I shall follow into the street."

"And I shall not see you--and your lover through the _dutap_?"

"You shall see us there--yond